From left: Jimmi Simpson, Alfred Molina, Jessica Biel, Kaya Scodelario and Francesca Gregorini at the premiere of ‘Emanuel and the Truth About Fishes.’

When the closing credits started rolling at the premiere of “Emanuel and the Truth About Fishes” at the Library Center Theatre at Sundance, the audience hooted when young star Kaya Scodelario’s name came on the screen.

She’s from London, and most well-known for playing Effy Stonem in the series, “Skins.” But in her new film, directed by Francesca Gregorini, Scodelario takes on the role of Emanuel, an American teen who is troubled by the death of her mother during her own birth. Emanuel befriends a mysterious young mom who moves in next door, Linda, played by Jessica Biel, and their deepening relationship reveals connections to both their pasts.

“This was the first time I’ve seen the film,” the 20-year-old Scodelario said during the post-premiere Q&A with the audience. “I’m shaking, I’m freaking out. I need a drink!”

Sorry–you can buy a drink at 18 in England, but you’ve got to be 21 in the states.

The actress hadn’t worked on a film in the U.S. before, and she singled out Biel as being “the nicest female actress I’ve worked with, she made me feel safe in Hollywood.” Scodelario said it could have been much worse with another type of female co-star, and she would have hated ever working in Hollywood again.

Biel, touched by Scodelario’s comments, added that she was attracted to “Emanuel” because of the script, which she called “the best I had read in a really, really long time.” She said there aren’t enough interesting, complicated, haunting roles for women, especially written and directed by another woman, garnering audience applause for Gregorini. “This is the kind of work I’ve been craving,” Biel added.

Actor Alfred Molina plays Emanuel’s father, Dennis, who struggles to balance mourning his first wife, with trying to move forward with Janice, his second wife (whom Emanuel dislikes).

Molina said it was great working “with all that female energy,” as well as a youthful cast and director, which he said is rare for actors his age. “I’d also like to thank Tom Wilkinson for turning the part down,” he added, to laughter.

Speakeasy will have more from the Sundance Film Festival so check back in and follow @barbarachai on Twitter.